Hyundai Sonata Model History

Entering the market with an exterior design sculpted by world famous automotive stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro and his ItalDesign firm, the Hyundai Sonata family sedan first arrived in the United States for the 1989 model year. During 1998, the Hyundai Sonata sedan entered its final year on a platform first introduced in 1993 offered with a four-cylinder and six-cylinder engine choice.

Dual front airbags, AM/FM stereo system with cassette player and air conditioning came standard on the 1998 Sonata. A redesigned 1999 Hyundai Sonata presented more rounded contours. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 138 horsepower while an available 2.5-liter V-6 powerplant generated 170 horsepower. For the 2002 model year, headlights for the Sonata were reshaped and was accompanied a new grille featuring a chrome frame.

The six-cylinder engines displacement was increased to 2.7 liters developing 181 horsepower of peak output. For 2006, a redesigned Hyundai Sonata placed emphasis on family car refinement. Longer and taller than its predecessor, the 2006 Sonata boasted a larger five-passenger interior. A more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder powerplant generating 162 horsepower was the base models engine while an all-new advanced 3.3-liter V-6 engine produced 235 horsepower.

Both engines were matched with a new five-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission. Some deemed the exterior design of the 2006 to 2010 Sonata as conservative but an all-new version of the 2011 model year sedan featuring Hyundais Fluidic Sculpture design was a stark contrast. A new gasoline direct injection four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged powerplant was introduced on the 2011 Sonata. Bluetooth connectivity was offered standard on all models of the Sonata for 2011 while Hyundais Blue Link telematics system was added for 2012. Adhering to a drag coefficient of 0.27, the redesigned 2015 Sonata featured a refreshed design and increased refinement. To date, the Sonata name remains Hyundais longest-used nameplate.

Review all model year Hyundai Sonata prices & values

The redesigned Hyundai Sonata offers a versatile mid-level sedan with plenty of desirable features, ample roominess in the cabin, good fuel economy and the reliability of the most powerful warranty offered by any automaker.